YeaWeBuiltThat, founded by Madhu Das, aspires to make the woodworking community more inclusive, supportive, and empowering for LGBTQ+ woodworkers, ensuring that every voice and hand is recognized in their community.

Being a small family business, they deeply care about making sustainable pieces that are equally as practical and beautiful so people feel proud to showcase them in their homes. Their work is perfectly summarized in their motto: Functional. Handmade. Always Unique.

Madhu tells Bored Panda that she was inspired to pursue woodworking as a career by a combination of the unshakable need to create and the huge milestone of owning their first home.

"What began as interior and outdoor projects soon evolved into an obsession with craft, leading me to study the meticulous techniques of Nordic, Japanese, and Chinese woodworking. My admiration for Ming dynasty furniture, a cornerstone of Western craftsmanship, further fueled my journey."

"I left a thriving career in business development within the tech industry to fully embrace this path, trading algorithms and boardrooms for chisels and joinery," they shared.

"My goal is to incorporate more traditional joinery techniques, rely heavily on hand tools, and craft artful yet functional pieces—without harming the planet. I recognize that making such a leap isn’t possible for everyone, but the determination to reshape your life is key. For me, stepping away from corporate success to pursue something tangible, meaningful, and enduring has been the most rewarding decision I’ve ever made."

Madhu believes that essential skills to pursue woodworking are some knowledge of different woods, math, and familiarity with hand and power tools.

"First, understanding different types of wood, their properties, and how they respond to environmental factors is essential. This knowledge helps in selecting the right material for each project," they explained.

"Second, a basic grasp of math is important, particularly measurements, angles, and proportions. Fortunately, this is a skill that improves with practice, so you don’t need to be a math expert to get started. Finally, familiarity with both hand tools and power tools—such as saws, drills, and chisels—will help you tackle your first projects with confidence. As you progress, your skills will naturally expand, making each project more refined and rewarding."

The woodworking projects that Madhu enjoys tackling the most are end grain cutting boards. "There’s always an element of surprise—every time you flip the wood, a unique pattern emerges. It’s a process that never gets old. Beyond that, I enjoy crafting functional home items like side tables and plant stands. I also create furniture that leans more toward art than function, and those pieces bring me just as much joy."

One of their most challenging projects was a seven-foot coffee table made from salvaged red oak. "The wood came from someone’s yard, and the entire process—from drying the piece for two years to flattening it—was a true test of patience and skill. But in the end, it was incredibly rewarding."

Of course, we couldn't let Madhu go without asking for some advice for those who might be interested in dabbling in woodworking. "Based on your interests and needs, a great place to start would be with simple projects like boxes, edge grain cutting boards, or face grain serving boards," they suggested.

"These will allow you to focus on the entire process—from milling and gluing to clamping, sanding, and finishing—while building a solid foundation in woodworking. My first project was a kitchen helper for my son, so my advice is to start with something you feel confident tackling and use it as an opportunity to refine those five key stages."

Most importantly, they recommended being patient, staying curious, and not giving up. "It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need every tool out there to move forward. But I’d challenge you to get creative—find ways to work with what you have, problem-solve, and develop new skills along the way. That’s where true growth happens."